by
David Prior
Former professional rugby league player Kevin Fitzpatrick has been appointed BBC North West Tonight’s political editor.
Fitzpatrick, BBC Radio Manchester’s political reporter, takes on the positon for 12 months while Nina Warhurst is seconded to BBC Network News.
He’s already a regular face on North West Tonight and will also present Sunday Politics North West on BBC One.
Before North West Tonight, he was a reporter and producer at Radio Manchester and also worked at BBC Radio 5 live.
Want all the latest content from Prolific North delivered direct to your inbox daily? Of course you do!
In his younger days Kevin, who lives in Saddleworth with his wife and three children, played professional rugby league for Oldham. He is still involved with the game at an amateur level with his amateur club Saddleworth Rangers.
He said: “Rugby league is a tough game with no hiding place so it’s a great training ground for the world of politics.
“It’s a fascinating time with a lot riding on the big decisions being made at the moment. It means I’ll be refereeing some lively debates on Sunday Politics as we discuss how it’s all affecting people’s lives here in the North West.
“We’ve got the new Mayors in the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester, plus all the other issues affecting Cheshire and Lancashire. And Brexit is massive for our region. Hopefully my experience on the pitch will help me when the mud starts to fly!”
